Marvel Super-Heroes #12 (published in December 1967 by Marvel Comics) is written by Stan Lee with art by Gene Colan. This issue is a milestone in Marvel history, as it introduces Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell), the Kree warrior who would become a key figure in Marvel’s cosmic stories.
Plot Summary
The story begins with the Kree, an advanced alien race, observing Earth from afar. They are interested in humanity’s growing technological advancements and its potential threat to their empire. The Kree assign Captain Mar-Vell, a loyal and capable officer, to infiltrate Earth and monitor its progress.
Mar-Vell is dispatched aboard a Kree spacecraft and arrives on Earth disguised as a human. He takes the identity of Dr. Walter Lawson, a scientist working at a missile base. While undercover, Mar-Vell observes Earth’s culture and technology but also becomes conflicted about his mission. Despite his orders to spy on humanity, Mar-Vell begins to admire the people of Earth and questions the morality of the Kree’s plans.
Complicating matters, Yon-Rogg, Mar-Vell’s commanding officer, harbors a personal grudge against him. Yon-Rogg schemes to sabotage Mar-Vell’s mission, hoping to discredit or even eliminate him. This conflict introduces a recurring theme of betrayal and loyalty within the Kree ranks.
The issue ends with Mar-Vell donning his iconic green-and-white Kree uniform and beginning his dual life as a hero on Earth, setting up future conflicts between his duties to the Kree Empire and his growing allegiance to humanity.
Key Themes
- Dual Identity: Mar-Vell’s struggle to balance his loyalty to the Kree with his empathy for humanity echoes classic superhero dilemmas.
- Alien Perspective: The story explores humanity through the eyes of an outsider, highlighting both its flaws and potential.
- Betrayal and Rivalry: Yon-Rogg’s antagonism toward Mar-Vell introduces tension within the Kree hierarchy, a recurring theme in the character’s stories.
Significance
- First Appearance of Captain Marvel: Mar-Vell debuts in this issue, becoming the first Marvel character to hold the title of Captain Marvel and paving the way for successors like Carol Danvers.
- Introduction to the Kree Empire: The Kree, a major alien race in Marvel’s cosmic lore, are introduced, setting the stage for later stories involving intergalactic politics and warfare.
- Foundation of Cosmic Marvel: This issue is an early step in Marvel’s exploration of cosmic storytelling, which would expand significantly in the following decades.
Marvel Super-Heroes #12 is a pivotal issue that introduces Captain Mar-Vell and establishes the foundation for Marvel’s cosmic universe. With its blend of science fiction, action, and moral conflict, it remains a significant entry in Marvel’s history.